Uneasy calm pervades in the Edo State chapter of All Progress Congress , APC, as party members discuss in hush tone over grand plot to stop the Acting Chairman of the party, Jarret Tenebe as the substantive chairman of the party.
Though, no particular date have been announced, the APC nationwide Congresses is expected to hold sometime in December, 2025.
NEWSLEADER gathered that among the power brokers within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State may have reached a firm consensus for a change in leadership.
A top party hierarchy confided that majority of the party stakeholders are turning their eyes away from the current acting chairman and placing their hope on the former Deputy Governor Dr.Pius Odubu as the bridge needed to heal the party and prepare it for the next chapter after December congresses.
While stakeholders are looking at the direction of Odubu, the current acting Vice Chairman, Sylvester Aigboboh appears to enjoy the support of party leaders owing to his youthful energy and his ability to manage intricate political dynamic between the party and the Govenor Monday Okpeholo.
Dissatisfaction With Tenebe:
Sources inside the party confided to NEWSLEADER that dissatisfaction with Tenebe’s style of leadership has grown significantly. His critics describe his tenure as marked by alleged authoritarian decision making and an “undemocratic, crude style” of party management.
One senior party official lamented, “We cannot keep returning to the same heavy-handed leadership and overbearing tendency that alienates rather than unites us.”
In view of the discontentment against Tenebe, Pius Odubu and Abdul Ganiyu Lawani are popular names touted in political circle for the chairmanship position.
Abdul Ganiyu Lawani popularity refered to ‘ Abu Millionaire’ are said to to be preferred choice of Senator Adams Oshiomhole and the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh’s.
Both Oshiomhole and Momoh are said to be strongly opposed to Tenebe ‘s return.
However Pius Odubu’s name has emerged strongly as the preferred alternative. He is no political novice: a former member of the House of Representatives and Deputy Governor of Edo State, with a legal education and proven administrative experience.
A leader of the party in Oredo Local Government Area of the Party who pleaded for anonymity owing to the sensitivity nature of quiet power struggle within the APC said Odubu is the man for the job.
“Odubu is fatherly and liberal in approach. He doesn’t order people around, he brings them in. his style fosters loyalty and respect rather than fear. He command respect across party.
“Even in the face of internal crisis Odubu retains goodwill. His leadership quality is admired by all. You can see that the Deputy Govenor had to concede the leadership of the party in Edo South to Odubu and that speaks to the trust they have for him.
“His legal background and legislative/administrative experience are cited as making him better placed to handle the complex politics of Edo State.
“If he eventually succeeds he will further reunite, galvanized and reinforce the party. The feel is that the APC in Edo needs someone to reset the culture of leadership. What we need now is not another bulldozer but a bridge builder. Pius Odubu is that bridge.”
Others however are of the view that the chairmanship should remain in Edo North, the zone where Tenebe hails from for reasons of geo-political balance and inclusivity.
“We must keep chairmanship in Edo North for balance. The question of zoning is now a live issue.
Governor Monday Okpeholo appears to be in a dilemma between his rumoured support for Tenebe as against the choice of some powerful party leaders opposed to Tenebe’s return.
